Dedicated Professionals Working to Restore Families

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Corey earned his undergraduate degree in therapeutic recreation from Brigham Young University and is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. After several years of working as a recreation therapist and serving in leadership roles in residential treatment settings, Corey completed a master’s degree in human resources from Utah State University. His desire to study both recreation and organizational leadership came from a deep belief that, in order to help students achieve positive growth, the organizational culture must provide them with an enjoyable, healthy environment conducive to change. Early in 2015, Corey accepted the position of executive director at Chrysalis School in Eureka, Montana. True to his profession as a recreational therapist, Corey lives to recreate! Corey’s hobbies include distance running, golf, camping, snowboarding and wakeboarding and visiting America’s national parks. He is passionate about college football. He and his wife, Jessica, have four energetic young children, and they love living in an area that has so much in the way of outdoor

Junior High School Favorites

Band: U2

Hobby/Sport/Activity: Snowboarding and Wrestling

Most Prized Possession: My Snowboard

Mackenzie is originally from St. George, UT where she first began her journey as a youth mentor at a program for teenage girls. She was there for several years and held multiple leadership positions while also learning how to facilitate lasting change in youth and their families. Mackenzie enjoys working with the whole family system and being able to witness the moments when the family shifts towards a life worth living. Prior to joining Lake House Academy, Mackenzie  worked with families at Chrysalils beginning in 2018 as the Program Director.

Mackenzie is eager to explore all that the NC Mountains has to offer and expand upon her love of hiking, kayaking, travel or simply reading a good book.

Junior High School Favorites

Band: We The Kings

Hobby/Activity/Sports: Cheerleading

Most Prized Possession: My big square iPod

Erika attended the University of Connecticut and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Relations. She continued on at Georgian Court University and earned a Master of Arts degree in Education. From there, she began a thirteen year career working as an educator in both private and public schools. In 2013, she was drawn to assist families seeking guidance in treatment for their children and worked independently as an educational consultant specializing in therapeutic programs. Prior to joining Lake House Academy, she has worked as an Admissions Associate for New Vision Wilderness.

Erika brings a strong background of knowledge and experience working with children, complex family systems, and diverse academic and mental health histories. She values providing families and referring professionals a high standard of quality care, responsiveness, and collaboration, as evidenced by her strong relationships within the industry and with families who have benefitted from her support.

Erika lives in North Carolina with her two daughters and their dog Ffynn. In her free time, Erika can be found volunteering with her daughter’s theater company, spending time with her family and watching college basketball.

Junior High School Favorites:

Band-New Kids on the Block- Hangin’ Tough!

Hobby/Activity/Sport: Swim Team, youth group, playing the clarinet(poorly I might add!), reading my Seventeen Magazine

Most Prized Possession: My Neon Transparent corded phone that would light up when it rang and my curling iron to curl by bangs back!

Alex received her Master’s of Education in Counseling at Montana State University Billings. As a licensed clinical counselor and certified school counselor, Alex has worked with adolescents and families in a therapeutic residential setting as well as the public school system.  Having a variety of professional experiences, Alex uses her neuro-developmental knowledge to address the client’s needs.

While she is SMART Recovery trained, she also leans on the use of person-centered therapy, family systems, REBT and DBT skills. Combining the power of rapport and relationships with the skills to communicate and regulate. Facilitating meaningful authentic moments for a family using unconditional positive regard and direct guidance is a joy for Alex. One of her many strengths is using creativity and playfully challenging the family system towards growth.

On her down time, you can find her and her husband rock climbing, mountain biking, playing guitar, and enjoying the excitement of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Junior High School Favorites

Junior High School Favorites

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Born in the New England, Mary moved around the country as a kid and ended up finding her long-term home in the Suburbs of Chicago.  Mary attended Illinois State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, Psychology Education. She continued her passion for education by earning a Master’s in Teaching and a second Master’s in Education Leadership. She has taught and coached for sixteen years in the suburbs of Chicago as well as Western North Carolina. 

Mary and her husband Kevin have two college aged girls. They stay highly active and are always found either on the water, skiing, or in the mountains skiing and hiking.    

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Deana attended Beloit College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Education. She continued at Jacksonville State University and earned a Master of Arts degree in Special Education. During her career she has worked both in the classroom as a special educator teacher as well as in the leadership role of an Academic Director.

Deana brings with her a strong background using specific strategies, resources and assessments that cater to the needs of the learners and allow for individualized instruction. It is a process that ensures students are given guidance and flexibility in their learning process, enhancing their academic growth. She also brings well developed leadership skills and strong interpersonal skills that make effective and well-informed decisions in collaboration with both teachers, parents, and students.

Deana enjoys spending time being active outdoors by running, road biking, and mountain biking. She and her husband enjoy attending any type of sporting activity: basketball, track, volleyball, football. She is an avid reader and can often be found on a front porch with a big mug of coffee and good book.

Junior High School Favorites

Band: Tiffany and George Michael

Hobby/Sport/Activity: Basketball, Volleyball, Track

Most Prized Possession: Telephone in my bedroom!